Literature Review and
Theoretical Framework
Meaning and Definition of Literature Review
It is a way to discover what other research in the area of your
problem has uncovered.
It is the process of identifying and studying about current problem
and the research from the available secondary sources
Nicholas Walliaman (2006): “ A literature review (or overview) is a
summary and analysis of current knowledge about a particular topic
or area of enquiry.
Purposes of Literature Review
Broaden the knowledge base of the researcher in the problem area and
research methodology.
Avoids needless duplication of the research work.
Minimizes the risk of pursuing the dead ends in the research.
Keeps researcher up to date to current empirical or theoretical controversies
in the research area.
Helps to save time and cost.
Design a theoretical framework for the current research.
Formulate hypotheses
Types of Literature review
1. Survey of Research Articles
Examination of the previous research works.
2. Conceptual Review
A theoretical review that examines various topics
pertaining to the research problem.
Sources: Books, encyclopedias, Journals, etc.
Phases of Literature Review
Working with
Literature
Locating Obtaining Reading Evaluating
Encyclopedias Libraries
Efficient and
Selective Reading
Content Analysis
Card and Computer
Catalogues
Online Services
Keeping Track or
References
Criteria of Review
Journal Indexes CD ROM Sources
Arguing your
rationale
Annotating Your
Response
Developing a
Structure
Critical Review
Style and Tone
Meta Analysis
1. Locating Materials and Composing a Bibliography
Decide which subjects are relevant to the research problem.
Look in the encyclopedias under possible topic heading to obtain
background information and facts.
Go to the card or computer catalogue and check it for available
materials.
Check journal indexes for pertinent articles.
Check the journal indexes for pertinent articles.
Check the catalogue of university libraries, FNCCI, NRB, CBS etc. and their
bibliographies.
2. Obtaining Books and Other Materials
Go through the sources like
•Library
•Online sources
•Secondary storage devices
3. Reading and Reviewing the Literature
Scanning the materials
Identifying what the material is about
Identifying and marking ideas
Identifying new ideas, issues, methods used
Note taking relevant points in card
Do not over read, skim and read
the relevant
Note Taking
Direct Quotation
• Block and Indented Quotation:
• E.g. The UNDP (2001) makes an assessment of the current status of
technology transfer in Nepal in the following words
• Foreign aid has played a major role in the source and value of technology
imports including those in the manufacturing sector. Much of the
technology transfer under this category has been the turnkey type. The
presence of foreign technical personnel has assisted in acquiring
operational competence. However foreign technical personnel has assisted
in acquiring operational competence. However, it does not seem to have le
to the development of indigenous capabilities for technological innovation
and upgradation.(p. 44)
• Within-sentence Quotation :
• According to Koirala (2010), “Hypothesis is the assumption of relationship
between the variables under study.”(p. 85)
Paraphrased Quotation
• E.g. UNDP (2001) argue that the increasing use o foreign
technical personnel working in Nepal does not lead to the
development of local capabilities for technological
innovation.
Generalized Quotation
• e.g. There is wide agreement that the presence of foreign
experts would ultimately affect the capability-building of
the local people. The increasing use of such foreign
experts in Nepal has increased the country’s dependence
on them for technological innovation an upgradation
(Gurung 1997; Tuladhar & Thapa, 2002; and Yadav, 2005).
4. Evaluating the Contents of the Literature
Criteria for Evaluation
•Accuracy and dependability
•Suitability for specific requirements
•Scope and arrangement
•Author
•Up-to-dateness
•Publisher
Steps in Evaluating/Analyzing Literature
1. Initial Appraisal
•Analysis of author, date of publication, edition,
publisher, and title of journal.
2. Analysis of Contents
• Evaluating the Introduction
• Evaluating the Methods Selection
• Evaluating the Results Section
• Evaluating the Discussion Section
Evaluating Introduction
• Are the results from the previous research unbiasedly stated?
• Is the purpose of the study clearly stated?
• Does hypotheses match the problem and the theoretical framework?
• Are the hypotheses clearly stated and testable?
Evaluating the Methods
• Who are the participants? Is the sample sizable?
• Is the hypothesis testing adequate?
• Does the research design allow hypothesis testing?
• Is there any flaw with the materials that can challenge the validity of the
study?
Evaluating the Results
• Do findings properly follow data analysis?
• Were the appropriate statistics used?
• Does the text tables, figures match?
Evaluating the Discussion
• Do the conclusions follow the results?
• Does the author offer speculations concerning the results?
• How do the findings of the study mess with the previous research and
existing theory?
• Does the author point the way to directions for future research in the
area?
Format of Presenting the Literature Review
Bharat (2005) found that………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………… (Arati,
2008).
…………………………………………. (Shyam & Ram, 2006; August,
2007; Hari & Hikmat, 2012)
Different researchers have emphasized different objectives of
operations performance, e.g. quality (Vaughan, 2007), speed
(Zikmund 2005; Merriam 2010), flexibility (Krishna, 2001; Ram
2007).
Literature Search Through Internet
• Web system first introduced in 1992 (Pant, 2012)
• Invention of internet has revolutionized the research patterns.
• Facilitated literature search.
• Internet is the largest source of literature.
• Risk involved about reliability and validity of findings.
• Use of search tools- search engines.
Pre-requisites for Going Online Literature
Search
• Right equipment: a PC, modem, and a telephone.
• Subscription
• Skill of using databases.
Searching the Internet
Meta Analysis
It is a systematic review that uses quantitative methods
to summarize the literature.
It is more objective way of reviewing the literature.
It is also called aggregate quantitative review.
Involves two techniques
a) Comparing Results
b) Combining Results
• A theoretical framework is a conceptual model of how one theorizes
or makes logical sense of the relationships among the several factors
that have been identified as important to the problem
• The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the
variables that are deemed to be integral to the dynamics of the
situation being investigated
• From the theoretical framework, testable hypotheses can be
developed to examine whether the theory formulated is valid or not.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
• A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying
values.
• The values can differ at various times for the same object or
person, or the values can differ at the same time for different
objects or persons.
• Examples are exam scores, inflation rate, absenteeism, and
motivation
CONCEPT: VARIABLE
• The dependent variable (criterion variable)
• The independent variable (predictor variable)
• The moderating variable
• The intervening variable
TYPES OF VARIABLES
• The variable of primary interest to the researcher
• Main aim is to understand and describe the dependent variable (e.g.
the factors that affect it)
• By analyzing it, researcher finds answers or solutions to problems
• Sometimes there may be more than one dependent variables
Dependent Variable
• An independent variable is one that influences dependent
variable in either a positive or negative way.
• The variance in the dependent variable is accounted for by
the independent variable (s).
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
• The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent
effect on the independent variable-dependent variable
relationship.
• The presence of a third variable (the moderating variable)
modifies the original relationship between the independent
and dependent variables.
Moderating variable
• An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the
time the independent variables operate to influence the
dependent variable and their impact on the dependent
variable
INTERVENING VARIABLE
Presentation of Theoretical Framework
(Format or Schematic Diagram)
Workforce diversity
Creative
Synergy
Organizational
effectiveness
Managerial
expertise
Ind. V
M.V.
Int. V.
Dep. Var.
Identification of the variables under study
Discussions about how two or more variables are related to each
other
If the nature and direction of the relationship can be theorized on the
basis of the findings from previous research, then there should be an
indication in the discussions as to whether the relationships would
be positive or negative
Explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist.
The arguments could be drawn from the previous research findings
A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework
COMPONENTS OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
RESEARCH AND THEORY
 RESEARCH
Research includes any gathering of data,
information and facts for advancement of knowledge or to
solve the problem.
 THEORY
According to William(2006) “ A theory is a
statement of relation among concepts within a set of
boundary assumption and constraints.”
Theory provides a conceptual model for a
research.
Research, in turn, contributes to the
development of theory.
Research initiates and tests an existing theory.
Where Do Theories Come
From?
A theory
may be
developed
with
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning
You begin with a theory about your topic of
interest. You then narrow that down into
more specific variables that you can test.
Example: Since all squares are rectangles, and
all rectangles have 4 sides, so all squares have
four sides.
DEDUCTION: TESTING THEORY
In this researcher tries to understand the nature of
problem, gather the required quantitative and
qualitative data, and analyze them to draw conclusions.
Bottom-up approach
Induction: Building Theory
Deduction and Induction
Deduction
Induction
Guidelines for writing literature review:
 Use evidence
Be selective
Use the quotes sparingly
Summarize and synthesize
Keep your own voice
Use caution when paraphrasing
Literature review and theoretical framework

Literature review and theoretical framework

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Meaning and Definitionof Literature Review It is a way to discover what other research in the area of your problem has uncovered. It is the process of identifying and studying about current problem and the research from the available secondary sources Nicholas Walliaman (2006): “ A literature review (or overview) is a summary and analysis of current knowledge about a particular topic or area of enquiry.
  • 3.
    Purposes of LiteratureReview Broaden the knowledge base of the researcher in the problem area and research methodology. Avoids needless duplication of the research work. Minimizes the risk of pursuing the dead ends in the research. Keeps researcher up to date to current empirical or theoretical controversies in the research area. Helps to save time and cost. Design a theoretical framework for the current research. Formulate hypotheses
  • 4.
    Types of Literaturereview 1. Survey of Research Articles Examination of the previous research works. 2. Conceptual Review A theoretical review that examines various topics pertaining to the research problem. Sources: Books, encyclopedias, Journals, etc.
  • 5.
    Phases of LiteratureReview Working with Literature Locating Obtaining Reading Evaluating Encyclopedias Libraries Efficient and Selective Reading Content Analysis Card and Computer Catalogues Online Services Keeping Track or References Criteria of Review Journal Indexes CD ROM Sources Arguing your rationale Annotating Your Response Developing a Structure Critical Review Style and Tone Meta Analysis
  • 6.
    1. Locating Materialsand Composing a Bibliography Decide which subjects are relevant to the research problem. Look in the encyclopedias under possible topic heading to obtain background information and facts. Go to the card or computer catalogue and check it for available materials. Check journal indexes for pertinent articles. Check the journal indexes for pertinent articles. Check the catalogue of university libraries, FNCCI, NRB, CBS etc. and their bibliographies.
  • 7.
    2. Obtaining Booksand Other Materials Go through the sources like •Library •Online sources •Secondary storage devices
  • 8.
    3. Reading andReviewing the Literature Scanning the materials Identifying what the material is about Identifying and marking ideas Identifying new ideas, issues, methods used Note taking relevant points in card Do not over read, skim and read the relevant
  • 9.
    Note Taking Direct Quotation •Block and Indented Quotation: • E.g. The UNDP (2001) makes an assessment of the current status of technology transfer in Nepal in the following words • Foreign aid has played a major role in the source and value of technology imports including those in the manufacturing sector. Much of the technology transfer under this category has been the turnkey type. The presence of foreign technical personnel has assisted in acquiring operational competence. However foreign technical personnel has assisted in acquiring operational competence. However, it does not seem to have le to the development of indigenous capabilities for technological innovation and upgradation.(p. 44) • Within-sentence Quotation : • According to Koirala (2010), “Hypothesis is the assumption of relationship between the variables under study.”(p. 85)
  • 10.
    Paraphrased Quotation • E.g.UNDP (2001) argue that the increasing use o foreign technical personnel working in Nepal does not lead to the development of local capabilities for technological innovation. Generalized Quotation • e.g. There is wide agreement that the presence of foreign experts would ultimately affect the capability-building of the local people. The increasing use of such foreign experts in Nepal has increased the country’s dependence on them for technological innovation an upgradation (Gurung 1997; Tuladhar & Thapa, 2002; and Yadav, 2005).
  • 11.
    4. Evaluating theContents of the Literature Criteria for Evaluation •Accuracy and dependability •Suitability for specific requirements •Scope and arrangement •Author •Up-to-dateness •Publisher
  • 12.
    Steps in Evaluating/AnalyzingLiterature 1. Initial Appraisal •Analysis of author, date of publication, edition, publisher, and title of journal. 2. Analysis of Contents • Evaluating the Introduction • Evaluating the Methods Selection • Evaluating the Results Section • Evaluating the Discussion Section
  • 13.
    Evaluating Introduction • Arethe results from the previous research unbiasedly stated? • Is the purpose of the study clearly stated? • Does hypotheses match the problem and the theoretical framework? • Are the hypotheses clearly stated and testable? Evaluating the Methods • Who are the participants? Is the sample sizable? • Is the hypothesis testing adequate? • Does the research design allow hypothesis testing? • Is there any flaw with the materials that can challenge the validity of the study?
  • 14.
    Evaluating the Results •Do findings properly follow data analysis? • Were the appropriate statistics used? • Does the text tables, figures match? Evaluating the Discussion • Do the conclusions follow the results? • Does the author offer speculations concerning the results? • How do the findings of the study mess with the previous research and existing theory? • Does the author point the way to directions for future research in the area?
  • 15.
    Format of Presentingthe Literature Review Bharat (2005) found that……………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… (Arati, 2008). …………………………………………. (Shyam & Ram, 2006; August, 2007; Hari & Hikmat, 2012) Different researchers have emphasized different objectives of operations performance, e.g. quality (Vaughan, 2007), speed (Zikmund 2005; Merriam 2010), flexibility (Krishna, 2001; Ram 2007).
  • 16.
    Literature Search ThroughInternet • Web system first introduced in 1992 (Pant, 2012) • Invention of internet has revolutionized the research patterns. • Facilitated literature search. • Internet is the largest source of literature. • Risk involved about reliability and validity of findings. • Use of search tools- search engines.
  • 17.
    Pre-requisites for GoingOnline Literature Search • Right equipment: a PC, modem, and a telephone. • Subscription • Skill of using databases.
  • 18.
  • 20.
    Meta Analysis It isa systematic review that uses quantitative methods to summarize the literature. It is more objective way of reviewing the literature. It is also called aggregate quantitative review. Involves two techniques a) Comparing Results b) Combining Results
  • 21.
    • A theoreticalframework is a conceptual model of how one theorizes or makes logical sense of the relationships among the several factors that have been identified as important to the problem • The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the variables that are deemed to be integral to the dynamics of the situation being investigated • From the theoretical framework, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether the theory formulated is valid or not. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
  • 22.
    • A variableis anything that can take on differing or varying values. • The values can differ at various times for the same object or person, or the values can differ at the same time for different objects or persons. • Examples are exam scores, inflation rate, absenteeism, and motivation CONCEPT: VARIABLE
  • 23.
    • The dependentvariable (criterion variable) • The independent variable (predictor variable) • The moderating variable • The intervening variable TYPES OF VARIABLES
  • 24.
    • The variableof primary interest to the researcher • Main aim is to understand and describe the dependent variable (e.g. the factors that affect it) • By analyzing it, researcher finds answers or solutions to problems • Sometimes there may be more than one dependent variables Dependent Variable
  • 25.
    • An independentvariable is one that influences dependent variable in either a positive or negative way. • The variance in the dependent variable is accounted for by the independent variable (s). INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
  • 26.
    • The moderatingvariable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable-dependent variable relationship. • The presence of a third variable (the moderating variable) modifies the original relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Moderating variable
  • 27.
    • An interveningvariable is one that surfaces between the time the independent variables operate to influence the dependent variable and their impact on the dependent variable INTERVENING VARIABLE
  • 28.
    Presentation of TheoreticalFramework (Format or Schematic Diagram) Workforce diversity Creative Synergy Organizational effectiveness Managerial expertise Ind. V M.V. Int. V. Dep. Var.
  • 29.
    Identification of thevariables under study Discussions about how two or more variables are related to each other If the nature and direction of the relationship can be theorized on the basis of the findings from previous research, then there should be an indication in the discussions as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative Explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The arguments could be drawn from the previous research findings A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework COMPONENTS OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
  • 30.
    RESEARCH AND THEORY RESEARCH Research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for advancement of knowledge or to solve the problem.  THEORY According to William(2006) “ A theory is a statement of relation among concepts within a set of boundary assumption and constraints.”
  • 31.
    Theory provides aconceptual model for a research. Research, in turn, contributes to the development of theory. Research initiates and tests an existing theory.
  • 32.
    Where Do TheoriesCome From? A theory may be developed with Deductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning
  • 33.
    You begin witha theory about your topic of interest. You then narrow that down into more specific variables that you can test. Example: Since all squares are rectangles, and all rectangles have 4 sides, so all squares have four sides. DEDUCTION: TESTING THEORY
  • 34.
    In this researchertries to understand the nature of problem, gather the required quantitative and qualitative data, and analyze them to draw conclusions. Bottom-up approach Induction: Building Theory
  • 35.
  • 36.
    Guidelines for writingliterature review:  Use evidence Be selective Use the quotes sparingly Summarize and synthesize Keep your own voice Use caution when paraphrasing